Another violent deli incident occurs on Staten Island, allegedly over beer: An attack or self-defense? [Video]

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Authorities allege that a 29-year-old man brandished a knife and then used a metal pipe to hit a man on the head inside a deli in Stapleton.

However, the defendant’s attorney claims that the 29-year-old man was working at the store and was defending himself against a shoplifter.

Richard Diaz, who lives on Broad Street, was arrested May 19, the day the assault allegedly occurred at 3:15 a.m. inside the deli at 191 Broad St., according to the criminal complaint and police.

The victim was a 43 year-old man, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation.

The criminal complaint alleges that Diaz displayed and pointed a knife at the victim. Police say the defendant punched the victim multiple times on his face and then wielded a metal pipe to repeatedly strike the victim on the head.

The victim’s injuries included a laceration, bleeding, and …